Say hello to my little friend

What happened to the old mascot? It "retired" in April and is living with a family in Temecula, the Marines said. It certainly looks less spry than its replacement, but no word yet on whether it was having trouble keeping up with the Marines on their "motivational runs."

Recruit Smedley Butler, born Feb. 24, is named after Maj.Gen Smedley Butler, who at the time of his death was the most decorated Marine in Marine Corps history, a news release said. Major General Butler was the second commanding general of the Marine Corps Recuit Depot San Diego and was responsible for introducing the English bulldog as the Marine Corps’ mascot.

Smedley’s "duties" will include taking part in events such as family day, motivational runs and graduation ceremonies.

Comments from MCRD San Diego's Facebook page piled up. A post had more than 5,000 likes and nearly 800 shares within four hours.

Kris Morgan George: LOVIT!!

Leonardo Flores: Cute Devil Dog!

Betty J Inskeep: OORAH!!

Mark Garber: RAH! Or should I say RUFF!

Martin Olivas Jr: Don't want to start an argument but why choose a fat dog with so many health issues and not American, to represent the Marine Corps? That's like putting a Remedial PT Marine on posters to represent the USMC. Why not the American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?